Clucking Hens: June – Always the Bridesmaid

This month’s edition of Clucking Hens is all about the bridesmaids. From US bridal shower inspiration for hen party planners looking for something a little classier than your average night on the tiles, to stunning bridesmaid dresses that don’t look clichéd (and how to wear them again and again!).

Bridesmaid Inspiration: The Perfect Afternoon Tea Hen Party

There are some things that our American cousins seem to do just a little better than us, and sophisticated hen parties may well be one of them. Maybe that’s why they call them “bridal showers”, not hen dos…

This utterly drop dead gorgeous afternoon tea party bridal shower (brought to our attention by the fab Ultimate Bridesmaid blog) looks like an absolute dream. Bride-to-be Holly’s favourite ladies clearly put a huge amount of work into ensuring every little detail was perfect, from cookies monogrammed with the bride’s future initials, to stunning floral arrangements and sublime sparkling wine. It almost makes a night on the tiles in Manchester wearing glittery teeny boppers look less enjoyable. Almost.

Sophisticated or naughty? Which hen night tradition do you prefer? Have your say below.

Bridesmaids Dresses (That Don’t Look Like Bridesmaids Dresses!)

From the frumpy, to the predictably draped and the inevitable teal, most bridesmaids dresses look like, well, bridesmaids dresses. That’s why we’re head over heels with this post from Being the Bridesmaid, featuring a delectable platter of gowns which work wonderfully as attire for wing ladies, but don’t have that stuffy “bridesmaid” feel about them. In fact, they’d look just as good as red carpet frocks in their own right. Lovely stuff!

How did you pick your bridesmaid dress? Did the bride take the reigns or did you have some input? Share your story below.

How to Re-Wear a Bridesmaids Dress

And if you do end up with a bridesmaids dress you truly love, this fabulous blog on Bella Bridesmaids from Meghan LeBlanc and Danielle Bourque has tonnes of bright ideas to help you get more wear out of your beautiful frock. From black tie occasions, to nights on the town, this post is full of inspiration that will help you get more out of your bridesmaids dresses.

Have you reworn your bridesmaids dresses? How have you styled them? Or have you consigned yours to the back of the wardrobe? Share your secrets below.